This Order is usually used as the last resort, which means that the Court will sentence the Defendant to a term of imprisonment. Such order is usually not beneficial to the wife, ex-wife or children because if the husband or father is in prison, he is unable to earn any income.

The husband’s or father’s personal property is seized and will be sold to pay for arrears of maintenance.

It means the husband’s or father’s employer is ordered to keep a part of his salary to pay for the maintenance. If he leaves his employment, a new order has to be obtained against his new employer.

The Court may order the following:-

• attachment of earnings order
• writ of seizure & sale
• imprisonment

Yes, the Court may vary, rescind or suspend the Order if :-

• it was made based on a misrepresentation or a mistake; or

• there has been a material change in the circumstances after the Order was made

Only wives can claim spousal maintenance. Maintenance can be claimed on an interim basis pending the hearing of matrimonial proceedings and at the final hearing of ancillary matters.

The court must have regard to all the circumstances of the case when awarding maintenance (section 114(1), Women’s Charter). This includes income, earning capacity, property, the parties’ age, […]

Maintenance is often claimed and awarded pending the conclusion of matrimonial proceedings as part of the ancillary matters.

They are:-

• Maintenance of ex-wife
• Custody of children
• Maintenance of children
• Division of assets and
  properties

During the subsistence of a Marriage, the husband has an obligation to maintain his wife and children.

The Singapore Court, when granting a judgment of divorce, judicial separation or nullity of marriage, has powers to order the division or sale of matrimonial assets, in such proportions as the Court thinks just and reasonable.